There are many views on how to stage your home – and even a few on how not to. The advice can be overwhelming, but there are strategies that work. Remember, you are selling a home rather than just a property.
- Neutral colours are safe, but won’t necessarily make your house stand out. An accent wall, a bit of colour: these things create personality in your home. If buyers see a completely blank slate, they may not see possibility, or worse they may forget your house the moment they leave it.
- Traditional staging advice tells us to remove all personal touches, to allow buyers to see the house as they would make it.
That assumes your buyer has a great imagination. Help them along with an atmosphere of family, home, and happiness with a few family photos and personal touches. A little goes a long way! - Fix all the little cosmetic details that, if left unfinished, will give buyers the feeling that the house is not well-maintained. Outlet covers, door frames, garden weeds – people won’t necessarily notice if they are all perfect, but they certainly will notice if they are not.
- Atmosphere is important. Smells, light, cleanliness, and clear lines-of-sight all add to a happy, comfortable atmosphere.
- Never underestimate the power of open spaces. Even a bit of clutter can make your house seem small and unappealing.
- Landscaping and curb appeal are essential. A good first impression can cut a less-than-perfect house some slack, a sloppy external can lead potential buyers to question the overall upkeep and value of the house.